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CSQ CERTIFICATION
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CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
GFSI CERTIFICATION
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SQF CERTIFICATION
SQF, or Safe Quality Food, is a comprehensive assessment of a food manufacturing or processing facility's adherence to food safety and quality standards.
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FSSC 22000 CERTIFICATION
FSSC 22000 integrates ISO 22000 for comprehensive food safety management.
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BRCGS CERTIFICATION
This certification covers multiple sectors such as food manufacturing, packaging, storage, distribution, and consumer products.
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GLOBALG.A.P. CERTIFICATION
GLOBALG.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) is an internationally recognized set of farm standards dedicated to Good Agricultural Practices (G.A.P.).
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IFS CERTIFICATION
IFS Certification refers to a globally recognized certification system focused primarily on ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of products and processes.
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PRIMUSGFS CERTIFICATION
PrimusGFS certification is a food safety standard specifically designed for the fresh produce industry. It covers various aspects of food safety, including good agricultural practices (GAP), good manufacturing practices (GMP), and food safety management systems.
ISO CERTIFICATION
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ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION
ISO 9001 is an international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS).
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ISO 22716 CERTIFICATION
ISO 22716 is an extensive set of guidelines focused on Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for the cosmetics industry.
SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION
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MENUTRINFO®’S CERTIFIED FREE FROM™
Created by a team of food allergy and food intolerance experts to help brands ensure that their products are truly safe for consumers with dietary restrictions.
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MSC CERTIFICATION
Works with fisheries, scientists, and industry to promote sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that seafood comes from well-managed fisheries that minimize environmental impact and maintain healthy fish populations.
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NOP ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
NOP (National Organic Program) certification is a certification process that ensures products labeled as organic comply with USDA organic regulations. 
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RSPO CERTIFICATION
RSPO certification is a globally recognized standard ensuring that palm oil is produced sustainably. It focuses on environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability.
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SQF CERTIFICATION

The SQF Program unites over 14,000 certified sites across 40+ countries and six continents. Partner with ASI to achieve and maintain certification, ensuring world-class food safety and quality.

SQF AUDITS AND SQF CERTIFICATION

ASI can assist your company in achieving SQF certification.

 

  • 01 What is SQF Certification?
  • 02 What are the SQF Programs?
  • 03 What are SQF Codes?
  • 04 Where to Start?
  • 05 How ASI Can Help

SQF certification offers independent verification that your product, process, or service meets international, regulatory, and industry standards. It assures customers that food is produced, prepared, and handled to the highest safety and quality standards.

With 13 industry-specific codes, the SQF Program provides clear, step-by-step guidance for production and manufacturing sites to achieve certification.

The SQF Programs provide tailored solutions for businesses across the food supply chain to meet food safety and quality standards. The main programs include:

  • SQF Fundamentals: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses starting their food safety journey.
  • SQF Food Safety Code: Focused on ensuring food safety compliance for various industry sectors.
  • SQF Quality Code: For businesses looking to enhance product quality management beyond food safety.
  • SQF Ethical Sourcing Code: Supports responsible sourcing practices, including social and environmental accountability.
  • SQF Retail/Wholesale Code: Designed for retail and wholesale businesses to ensure safety and quality across the supply chain.

 

SQF Codes are a set of globally recognized standards designed to ensure food safety and quality across all stages of the supply chain. These codes are industry-specific and provide clear guidelines for businesses to establish, implement, and maintain effective food safety and quality management systems.

Key SQF Codes:

SQF Fundamentals: Designed for small to medium-sized businesses to build foundational food safety systems.

SQF Food Safety Code: Focuses on comprehensive food safety management for primary production, manufacturing, distribution, and more.

SQF Quality Code: Extends beyond safety to address product quality, helping businesses consistently deliver high-quality products.

SQF Ethical Sourcing Code: Encourages responsible sourcing practices, including social and environmental accountability.

SQF Retail/Wholesale Code: Tailored for retail and wholesale businesses to ensure food safety and quality throughout their supply chains.

Each code provides a framework for businesses to meet regulatory, customer, and industry expectations, helping them demonstrate their commitment to food safety, quality, and sustainability. Selecting the appropriate SQF Code depends on your business type, goals, and the sector you operate in.

If you’re new to SQF, start by exploring the SQF Programs to identify which fits your business—such as SQF Fundamentals for beginners or the SQF Food Safety Code for comprehensive food safety management. Review the relevant SQF Code for your industry to understand its requirements.

Conduct a gap analysis to assess your current systems, then develop and document your food safety processes.

Consider a pre-assessment audit to ensure readiness for certification.

ASI can help you achieve SQF certification by providing expert guidance and support throughout the entire process. Here’s how:

Expert Knowledge: ASI specializes in SQF certification, offering insights into the specific requirements of SQF Programs and Codes.

Gap Analysis: We can conduct a thorough gap analysis to identify areas for improvement and help you align with SQF standards.

Pre-Assessment Audits: ASI offers pre-assessment audits to evaluate your readiness and help address potential non-conformities before the official audit.

Streamlined Certification Process: Our experienced auditors ensure a smooth certification process, helping you meet deadlines and achieve compliance efficiently.

Partnering with ASI means having a trusted advisor by your side, ensuring you meet SQF requirements with confidence and ease.

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PARTNER WITH ASI FOR PEACE OF MIND.

GET YOUR SQF CERTIFICATION QUOTE TODAY

SQF certification is the gold standard recognized worldwide for food safety and quality. Partnering with ASI Food Safety, a trusted and accredited certification body, makes achieving SQF compliance smooth and efficient.

 

WHICH SQF PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Refer to the chart below to compare the five SQF programs and find the best fit for your business.

 

PROGRAM TARGET AUDIENCE FOCUS KEY FEATURES

SQF FOOD SAFETY PROGRAM

Food manufacturers, primary producers Food safety Ensures safe food production at all levels of the supply chain. Covers HACCP and risk management.
SQF QUALITY PROGRAM Businesses seeking to enhance product quality Product quality beyond safety Focuses on improving product quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction beyond safety.
SQF FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAM Small to medium-sized businesses Basic food safety preparation Helps small businesses start their food safety journey and prepare for full SQF certification.
SQF ETHICAL SOURCING PROGRAM Companies focusing on ethical practices Social, environmental, and governance standards Ensures compliance with ethical sourcing, covering social responsibility and sustainability.
SQF RETAIL PROGRAMS Food retail and wholesale distribution companies Retail food safety Ensures food safety for retail and wholesale sectors, helping secure food safety from suppliers to consumers.

 

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SQF CODES AND THE IMPORTANCE:

The SQF Code is the starting point for getting SQF certification. It lays out a detailed plan that shows how to create, put into action, and keep a strong food safety management system in place. The SQF Code includes clear guidelines and requirements that are customized for different areas of the food industry. This means it’s relevant and useful for a variety of sectors, making it easier for producers to ensure food safety in their specific situations.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: PRIMARY PLANT PRODUCTION

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The Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production encompasses indoor cultivation of fresh produce and sprouted seeds, production of fresh produce and nuts, packhouse operations for fresh produce, grain, and nuts, as well as broad-acre agricultural activities.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: PRIMARY ANIMAL PRODUCTION

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The Food Safety Code for Primary Animal Production encompasses raising livestock for meat, milk, and eggs; breeding and hatching poultry and other animals; fishing, aquaculture, and seafood farming; and managing feed and water systems for animals.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: AQUACULTURE

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The Food Safety Code for Aquaculture covers raising fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in controlled environments; managing water quality and feeding systems; harvesting and processing farmed seafood; and ensuring biosecurity and disease prevention in aquaculture operations.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: FOOD MANUFACTURING

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The Food Safety Code for Food Manufacturing addresses processing raw materials into finished food products, packaging and labeling, managing food safety hazards during production, and ensuring sanitation and hygiene in manufacturing facilities.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: ANIMAL PRODUCT MANUFACTURING

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The Food Safety Code for Animal Product Manufacturing encompasses processing meat, dairy, and egg products; ensuring proper handling and storage; managing food safety risks during production; and packaging and labeling animal-based products.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: DIETARY SUPPLEMENT MANUFACTURING

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The Food Safety Code for Dietary Supplement Manufacturing covers formulating and processing supplements from raw ingredients, ensuring quality control and safety during production, packaging and labeling for consumer use, and managing compliance with regulatory standards.

 

FOOD SAFETY CODE: PET FOOD MANUFACTURING

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The Food Safety Code for Pet Food Manufacturing includes formulating and processing pet food from quality ingredients, ensuring safety and nutritional standards during production, packaging and labeling products for consumer sale, and managing quality control and regulatory compliance.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: ANIMAL FEED MANUFACTURING

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The Food Safety Code for Animal Feed Manufacturing covers formulating and processing feed from raw materials, ensuring safety and nutritional standards during production, packaging and labeling feed products for livestock and pets, and managing regulatory compliance and quality control.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION

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The Food Safety Code for Storage and Distribution includes storing food products under appropriate conditions, managing inventory to prevent spoilage and contamination, packaging and labeling for safe transport, and ensuring compliance with transportation safety regulations.

FOOD SAFETY CODE: MANUFACTURING OF FOOD PACKAGING

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The Food Safety Code for Manufacturing of Food Packaging involves producing food-grade materials that ensure safety and compliance, maintaining hygiene and sanitation during manufacturing, testing for chemical and physical safety, and managing labeling and traceability of packaging materials.

ASI: SQF CERTIFICATION SERVICES

ASI Food Safety can support in preparation for SQF certification in several ways:

Expert Guidance They provide expert consultation and guidance on understanding SQF requirements specific to your industry sector, helping you comprehend the standards and necessary steps.  
Gap Analysis ASI Food Safety conducts a thorough gap analysis of your current food safety management system against SQF standards, identifying areas needing improvement.  
Customized Solutions They offer tailored strategies and solutions to align your existing procedures, policies, and protocols with SQF standards.  
Training Services ASI Food Safety provides training and educational resources for your team, ensuring they understand and implement necessary changes effectively.  
Documentation Support Assistance in developing required documentation and records aligned with SQF standards, ensuring completeness and accuracy.  
Pre-assessment Support ASI can conduct mock audits or pre-assessments to gauge readiness for the official SQF certification audit, identifying any remaining gaps for correction beforehand.  

THE SQF PROCESSS

The process of obtaining Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification typically involves several key steps:

1
Preparation

Download, your FOOD SAFETY CODE below, and understand SQF requirements

2
Development
Create and implement procedures meeting SQF standards
3
PRE-ASSESSMENT
Conduct a mock audit and review documentation
4
OFFICIAL AUDIT
Undergo certification audit by ASI

SQF CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Achieving SQF certification is a structured process that helps businesses establish and maintain high food safety standards. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps involved:

  • PREPARATION

    Start by familiarizing yourself with the SQF Code and its specific requirements relevant to your sector in the food industry. This step involves developing detailed food safety and quality plans that identify potential hazards and establish effective control measures.
  • IMPLEMENTATION

    Once your plans are in place, it’s time to put them into action. Implement the practices and procedures across your operations, ensuring that all employees are trained and understand their roles in upholding food safety. This step is crucial for turning your theoretical plans into practical actions.
  • AUDIT

    The next step is to undergo a comprehensive audit by an accredited third-party certifier. This audit assesses your compliance with the SQF Code and evaluates the effectiveness of your food safety and quality plans, verifying that the established practices are consistently followed.
  • CERTIFICATION AND ONGOING COMMITMENT

    Upon successful completion of the audit, you will receive your SQF certification, which is valid for one year. To maintain this certification, you must participate in annual audits and re-certification processes, demonstrating your continuous commitment to food safety. The SQF program encourages ongoing improvement, urging businesses to constantly seek ways to enhance their food safety management systems.
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General Questions about SQF

What is SQF certification, and why is it important? SQF certification (Safe Quality Food certification) is a globally recognized food safety and quality management standard under GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative). It demonstrates a company’s commitment to producing safe, high-quality food products, helping businesses build trust with consumers and meet regulatory requirements.
How does SQF certification compare to other GFSI-recognized standards? SQF certification offers unique benefits, including a focus on both food safety and quality, making it distinct from other GFSI standards like BRCGS or FSSC 22000. It's ideal for businesses seeking a dual focus on compliance and premium product differentiation.
What industries or products are covered by SQF? SQF certification applies to diverse industries, including manufacturing, packaging, retail, and agriculture. It’s suitable for businesses in bakery, beverage production, frozen foods, dairy, and more.
What steps are involved in achieving SQF certification? Steps include conducting a gap analysis, developing an SQF-compliant food safety plan, training staff, implementing SQF standards, and scheduling an audit with a recognized certification body.

Preparation for Certification

What steps are involved in achieving SQF certification? Steps include conducting a gap analysis, developing an SQF-compliant food safety plan, training staff, implementing SQF standards, and scheduling an audit with a recognized certification body.
How does SQF certification compare to other GFSI-recognized standards? SQF certification offers unique benefits, including a focus on both food safety and quality, making it distinct from other GFSI standards like BRCGS or FSSC 22000. It's ideal for businesses seeking a dual focus on compliance and premium product differentiation.
What industries or products are covered by SQF? SQF certification applies to diverse industries, including manufacturing, packaging, retail, and agriculture. It’s suitable for businesses in bakery, beverage production, frozen foods, dairy, and more.
What steps are involved in achieving SQF certification? Steps include conducting a gap analysis, developing an SQF-compliant food safety plan, training staff, implementing SQF standards, and scheduling an audit with a recognized certification body.

Audit Process

What are the stages of an SQF audit? The SQF audit includes a document review, an on-site inspection, and a follow-up report detailing findings and necessary corrective actions.
What is included in an SQF certification audit? Audits review documentation, employee practices, facility conditions, and compliance with food safety and quality standards.
How do we schedule an SQF audit? Schedule your audit through an SQF-accredited certification body. Plan well in advance to allow time for preparation and corrective actions.
What happens if we fail an SQF audit? If non-conformities are identified, you’ll receive an opportunity to address them and schedule a follow-up audit.
Can we request a pre-assessment audit to identify potential issues? Yes, pre-assessment audits (or mock audits) are available to help businesses identify gaps without affecting their certification timeline.

Costs and Logistics

What are the costs associated with SQF certification and audits? Costs vary based on company size, location, and audit complexity. They typically include certification body fees, audit costs, and internal preparation expenses.
How often do we need to be re-certified, and what is the cost of re-certification? SQF certification requires annual re-certification. Costs are similar to initial certification but may decrease as systems improve.
Are there additional costs for corrective action follow-ups or re-audits? Yes, follow-up audits and corrective action reviews may incur additional fees depending on the certification body.
Can we bundle multiple audits (e.g., SQF and other GFSI schemes) to save costs? Many certification bodies offer bundled audits for SQF, BRCGS, and other GFSI standards, reducing costs and audit downtime.
What documents and records should we prepare for the audit? Prepare HACCP plans, training records, supplier approval documents, and internal audit reports to demonstrate compliance.

Maintaining Certification

What are the ongoing requirements for maintaining SQF certification? Maintain records, conduct regular internal audits, and address non-conformities promptly to ensure compliance with SQF standards.
How do we handle non-conformities identified during the audit? Corrective actions must be documented and implemented within the timeline specified in the audit report.
What happens if we fail to maintain compliance with SQF standards? Failure to maintain compliance can result in suspended or revoked certification, affecting customer relationships and market access.

Training and Support

Who should be trained in SQF requirements within our company? Key staff involved in production, quality assurance, and food safety should undergo SQF training to ensure compliance.
Does SQF offer templates or tools to help with compliance? Yes, the SQFI website provides templates, guidelines, and tools to assist with implementation.
What kind of support does the certification body provide before and after the audit? Certification bodies often offer resources, workshops, and pre-audit assessments to help businesses succeed.
Are there online or in-person training courses for SQF implementation? Both options are available. Online training offers flexibility, while in-person workshops provide hands-on learning experiences.

THE ASI DIFFERENCE

ASI doesn't just provide services; we create partnerships. We're committed to your success and your journey towards SQF certification. With ASI by your side, you're not just meeting a certification standard; you're embracing a culture of excellence.

Make the choice that reflects your commitment to food safety and quality. Choose ASI as your trusted partner on the road to SQF certification. Your success is our mission, and together, we'll build a safer, more prosperous food future.

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All consulting services are offered through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC. All activity is conducted separately from our accredited certification body, ASI Food Safety, LLC, in order to safeguard against any conflicts of interest.